Montessori, M., & Costelloe, M. J. (1972). Introduction, Childhood: A Social -Problem. The secret of childhood (pp.17-20). New York: Ballantine Books. (Original work published 1966)

Thoughts after reading PART I: 3. Biological Interlude

“(T)he psychic life of a child needs to be protected and to be surrounded by an environment that could be compared with the wrappings placed by nature about the physical embryo.” (p. 20, para. 2)

It is amazing to ponder the miracle of human development.  When I found out I was pregnant with my first daughter, I was able to view a very early ultrasound where the only thing I could really see was the heart beat, witnessing the beginning of existence and development. The second ultrasound, I could see her features so clearly and could actually see her licking her umbilical cord, already curious about her surroundings. When I finally met her in person, I was amazed by her beauty and perfection!

Up until the point of her birth, she was developing independently within the safety of my womb. How can we continue to provide the environment that would best continue this development in the real world?  A prepared environment, like a womb, can create a nurturing place in which the child can explore and grow within the safety of boundaries.